Summary
The Fantastic FourMCU cast recently added Julia Garner as a female Silver Surfer. In response, one Marvel fan created artwork that imagines what Garner will look like as the iconic character.
TheFantastic Fourcast added Garner as Shalla-Bal, a character initially depicted in the comics as the immortal Empress of Zenn-La and the lover ofthe original Silver Surfer, Norrin Radd. When Galactus arrives to consume Zenn-La, Radd offers to become Galactus' herald in exchange for the villain sparring the planet. Galactus accepts the offer and bestows Radd with a portion of his Power Cosmic, granting the latter new abilities and his famous silver appearance but separating him from Shalla-Bal for ages.
In alternate realities depicted in the comics,Shalla-Bal becomes the second Silver Surferafter being granted the same abilities as Radd by the new Galactus, Franklin Richards. WhileThe Fantastic Fourplot details are being kept under wraps, it appears Marvel Studios is using this version of the Silver Surfer for Garner’s portrayal. Because fans still don’t know what Garner’s Silver Surfer will look like, artistclements.inkcreated two images inspired by comic book artist Paolo Rivera.The first depicts Garner’s Silver Surfer with the recognizable silver skin and bald head. The second is a split image with the same design and Garner’s face, demonstrating howThe Fantastic Fourcould incorporate the actress’s facial features into a classic Silver Surver design, perhaps not unlike how the MCU’s Hulk shares Mark Ruffalo’s likeness.
While the fan artwork will likely impress many fans, unfortunately,some still complain about the decision to include a female Silver Surferin Marvel Studios’The Fantastic Fourinstead of the original Norrin Radd version. Of course, including the Shalla-Bal Silver Surfer does not mean Norrin Radd can’t appear in the MCU. As previously outlined, Shalla-Bal shares a history with Norrin Radd that could be adapted for her backstory in MCU, potentially setting up Radd’s MCU debut even if he doesn’t appear inThe Fantastic Four. Furthermore,The Fantastic Fouris rumored to be setin an alternate universe, meaning Radd could still be the Silver Surfer in the MCU proper.
Regardless,Garner’s role inOzarkand several other projects prove she’s a talented actress whom the MCU is lucky to have. Considering Norrin Radd has been depicted in several television projects and the 2007 filmFantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,Marvel Studios is likely using a female Silver Surfer to differentiateThe Fantastic Fourfrom past adaptations. The company took a similar approach with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man trilogy by deliberately avoiding using many of the same characters seen in Sam Raimi’s trilogy and mostly refraining from showing him swinging through New York City.
It remains to be seen ifThe Fantastic Fourwill find similar success. However, after multiple failed feature film adaptations, fans are eager to see Marvel Studios finally handle the beloved superhero team themselves.
The Fantastic Fouris scheduled to be released in theaters on June 01, 2025.
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four are Marvel’s original team of superheroes. After being bombarded by cosmic rays, Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm gained amazing superpowers, taking on the mantles of Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing. Their main adversary, Doctor Doom, has become one of Marvel’s all-time great villains.
